Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI Life review finds impressive medium-size SUV

VW’s popular medium-size Tiguan SUV has grown in tech maturity and price.

The entry-level Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI starts from about $47,499 drive-away.

Cozzie livs seems to be on everyone’s lips at the moment.

Well, that’s the colloquial abbreviation for “cost of living” which was the Macquarie Dictionary word of the year. Off the back of Covid the car industry saw lengthy waits and used car values skyrocket.

Volkswagen wasn’t immune and its popular Tiguan SUV queue extended to nine months at various stages.

Supply is back and strong.

Yet those looking at prices pre-pandemic will find the base model requires additional investment. Base Tiguan models were once about $35k, but prices have risen about 20 per cent since 2020.

The Trendline was ousted in favour of the Life variant which has a drive-away price of about $47,500 – although we have seen some demonstrators with minimal kilometres in the low $40,000 realm.

The base model Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

Prices have risen but so has the tech.

Among the complimentary items are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital cockpit, eight-inch touchscreen with gesture control, configurable 10.25-inch digital driver display, satnav, three-zone aircon, 18-inch alloys, keyless access with push-button start and a power tailgate.

Optional is the $5300 luxury package that includes a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, leather trim and electric driver seat adjustment.

White is the only colour which doesn’t attract a premium, whereas metallic grey, blue or silver add $900.

Buying a service care package can deliver maintenance savings, up to the cost of one visit to the dealer. While a five-year package is $2850, there is also the $1500 option which covers three years.

The cabin of Volkswagen's base model Tiguan 110TSI includes an eight-inch touchscreen with gesture control, configurable 10.25-inch digital driver display, three-zone aircon, 18-inch and keyless access with push-button start.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

One of the most accomplished medium-sized SUVs on the road, the Tiguan balances comfort with driving confidence.

The least potent engine in the range is a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol. Lacking acceleration punch its standstill to 100km/h time is a lethargic 9.7 seconds.

Once under way the Tiguan is smooth and steady with adept performance in all conditions. It cruises quietly on the highway, yet then manages to carve up the bends with ease once entering twisty terrain.

It feels a step above most rivals with its overall dexterity.

Running on premium 95 unleaded, our test saw Tiguan achieve close to the official usage figure of 7.7L/100km.

Those who find the acceleration performance lacklustre have the option of stepping up into the 132TSI version which delivers 1342kW and 230Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder for an extra $4000.

Our test in the Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI saw fuel consumption of less than eight litres/100km.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

Kel: The lack of heated seats would mean I’d have to option the luxury package – for me that feature is a must-have which would push the price-tag up into the $50k realm. Great for a base model, I did find it lacked acceleration firepower but it was easy to park, had excellent boot space and was perfectly suited to our family lifestyle.

Grant: Within a crowded SUV category, the Tiguan remains a standout. The model has evolved in recent years without making any monumental changes. With this configuration, I could live with the base Life version’s limited throttle intensity given the high levels of tech and impressive driving dynamics.

Originally published as Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI Life review finds impressive medium-size SUV